Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation (www.makeuk.org), has launched a new course to help employers return to work safely and manage their workforce and workplace in a safe and effective manner during the coronavirus crisis.

The Covid-19 Management Training Programme is an on-line learning course which takes participants through a series of five modules designed to help them understand how the virus spreads and how to take the appropriate practical actions to protect their workforce and operate in an effective way with timely and strategic interventions.

This is followed by a section on the legal implications for employers and managers including sections on inspections and Covid-19 related legislation.

A wide range of external resources are also provided ranging from official Government, World Health Organisation and Health & Safety Executive guidance to practical information on how to effectively operate with PPE (personal protective equipment).

Andrew Ward, Make UK director of health, safety and sustainability said: “Covid-19 has presented employers and managers with a new and unique set of challenges in how to operate safely and protect their workforces.

“As well as the very practical steps in managing workplaces before and during return to work, moving forward it is vital that companies encourage their staff to be proactive in taking steps to look after and support each other.

He added: "This course will help manufacturing companies, in particular, to take actions in a timely, effective and strategic manner. We will be following this programme up with an additional module aimed at workers in a manufacturing environment. Our aim is to make sure that companies have created a culture of confidence in which to move forward."

The course can be booked via the Web site (www.makeuk.org/covid-19-e-learning-and-resource-pack).

As the pandemic progresses and scientific knowledge increases, Make UK refresher courses will be made available.